What to buy first?

[firsttimer]

I've been thinking of getting a fedora for a while now. Wife was generally against it. While out in the village yesterday, we came upon the Goorin Bros. store and tried on a few. She really liked how I looked in their "the doctor" hat (http://www.goorin.com/the-doctor-felt-fedora-hat) but they didn't have it in my size. They called the Boston store (where we live), and they're holding it for me.

Question is, now that I've done some research, it seems like $140 is a bit steep for a wool felt hat.

What would you guys recommend as an alternative? I'm not against wool felt, but I'd rather pay a lot less for it. If I pay as much as $140, I'd like to get a nice fur felt. What hats fit similarly to "The Doctor"? It seems to have a bit smaller brim, which I really like.

Recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[job]

Go to Akubra's website. The Stylemaster or the Bogart make great first hats because they are not too expensive and are of a better quality than most production hats. I'd stay away from wool.

 

[Edward]

Should be able to find a decent furfelt that looks like that for less... See this, for example: http://www.hatcentre.co.uk/sporty-felt-grey-p-71.html I bought one from them a few years ago; it's a nice, cheaper furfelt for kicking around in. Reasonably durable, narrower brim as you prefer, and has a bit of an early-fifties, casual Sinatra look to it.

 

[Edward]

Go to Akubra's website. The Stylemaster or the Bogart make great first hats because they are not too expensive and are of a better quality than most production hats. I'd stay away from wool.

Akubra are the best production hat around, imo. Most of their fedoras are a somewhat wider brim than the OP seems to want, but certainly there are a couple that might fit the bill.

 

[firsttimer]

What about ebay? I'm looking on there, but not really sure what to look for...

 

[hatsRme]

What about ebay? I'm looking on there, but not really sure what to look for...

Until you have decided on your on look, and have learned a bit more about hats in general, Ebay can be pretty hit or miss. Since you live in the Beantown, you might be well served to visit Salmagundi, on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain just to try on a greater variety of styles. Or, even much better, take a two hour ride to New Haven and go to DelMonico Hatters, where you'll see a better selection.

In summary, stay away from the $140 woolie. At that price, it should come with vaseline.

 

[firsttimer]

damn. Just moved from New Haven to the Boston area a few months ago!

 

[hatsRme]

Road trip!!!

Again, it's just over two hours for me, from just south of Boston. For the purpose of trying to find your style, well worth the Saturday afternoon.

 

[firsttimer]

Is it that much better than Salmagundi?

 

[Jedwbpm]

We would love to see you back down here in New Haven

Jeff

 

[johnnycanuck]

That style and price tag the Akubra Fedora, Stylemaster or Hampton would be great options. All found here for a good dollar value. https://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/default.asp in the Akubra section fourth page.

This is another good web page as well. http://www.villagehatshop.com/category/72/1/fedoras.html in the fedora section you can get an wool hat for a lot cheaper than the link you provided (will not last nearly as long or as good a quality as the Akubra) Jaxon Brand has gotten good reviews in the past. They also make a fir felt hat for the $100 mark.


If you want to put a few more dollars into the mix you can always go custom at $175 and get whatever you want. http://www.northwesthats.com/

For myself I would go for the Akubra. Bang for buck it’s the best deal for the best quality. If you don’t wear it much no harm no foul. If you find you put it on every time you leave the house it will give you years of use. My two cents worth.

Johnny

 

[tropicalbob]

Hi, firstimer. Save yourself a lot of time, money, and effort and take the trip down to New Haven. There is simply no substitute for standing in front of a mirror and trying on different styles as you'll find (as I have) that some styles you thought would suit you look downright awful, and vice versa. Besides, it would be fun.

 

[hatsRme]

I'm already planning my next trip. Best selection, service, smiles!

 

[tommyK]

+1 on the advice given here. Go to Delmonico's, try on some hats look at some different makes and price points. Jeff and Mr. Delmonico are great to deal with. Buying a $140 wool Goorin anything will eventually lead to regret. If you're thinking of buying wool get a Bailey. Cheaper and just as good quality-wise.

 

[hatsRme]

Is it that much better than Salmagundi?

Yes. Absolutely.

 

[gtdean48]

If you know your size, call the HatCo Outlet stores to see what they have on hand. Dave in Garland is a great deal of help.

 

[rclark]

Does the HatCo Outlet ship?

 

[Kirk H.]

Take the road trip. Well worth it. 140.00 for a wool felt is way to much. Delmonico hat is great to deal with. I just had to replace my Stetson Whippet that my dogs destroyed, but that's another story. I ordered the Whippet last week, they shipped it the same day, and it was delivered to my door this morning.
Best of luck.

Kirk H.

 

[firsttimer]

Any chance you'll be open super bowl Sunday? I'm rarely in the area, can't come down on Saturdays, and I work during the week... BUT I'll actually be in town on super bowl Sunday.

We would love to see you back down here in New Haven

Jeff

 

[firsttimer]

What about Sterkowski as a first hat?

http://sterkowski.com/fedora-hats/81-black-rabbit-felt-fedora.html